This week's Staying Connected includes Youth Ministry resources and General Assembly updates as the GA moves into its plenary week. We also introduce Lauren Scott, new associate pastor at Riverside, share upcoming educational opportunities, and more! 

Regarding the committee meetings last week, we received this message from Connie Smith, Ruling Elder Commissioner, who shared: “I continue to reflect on my time in Louisville. As a Committee (International Engagement) we were called to address some very difficult issues. Our Moderators ensured that all voices in the room and on zoom were heard and that we had ample time to consider our decisions. My fellow Commissioners shared their gifts in so many ways and reminded us to focus on loving all the children of God potentially impacted by our decisions.” Steve Crowley, Ruling Elder Commissioner, shared that: “In person committee work was amazing, stimulating, uplifting, enriching. It reminded me how wonderful this connectional PC(USA) is. My work on the immigration committee reminded me how we are all affected by actions our government takes on our borders and elsewhere.”

We are pleased to introduce Lauren Scott as the new Associate Pastor for Youth and Families at Riverside Presbyterian Church (RPC) in Jacksonville. Lauren will be ordained in the fall at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, Florida (her home church). Following her ordination and immediate transfer to our presbytery, she will be installed at Riverside. More details coming soon! Read more.  

Big Ideas in Youth Ministry Podcast 

This podcast is for all who work in youth ministry and is full of great ideas! Click here to listen to the June 2022 podcast on summer activities and listen to other episodes.

The Flagler College Missing Voices Project shares this Litany for Youth Workers which includes this closing prayer: For all of us called who serve youth as they journey through the pain and joy of adolescence. Teach us your ways, O Lord. Teach us how to love, how to teach, how to lead, how to be the light of God’s love in this often dark and chaotic world. Help us to remember this work matters, and that you have called us to it. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Visit the Missing Voices Project website for more youth ministry resources.

How do we minister to our youth today? The larger culture has shifted, and our young people are busier than ever. This new Quicksheet from Presbyterian Youth and Triennium offers ideas on ways youth might nurture their faith and relationships in the church beyond youth group.

Summer fun continues at Montgomery! There is just a few more weeks of Summer Camp to enjoy. Register now whether it's for the first time this summer, or if you want another week of fun!

After a hiatus because of the pandemic, The Board of Pension is excited to return to Montreat, North Carolina, for Well-Being Retreat. This in-person retreat will be held August 22-24, 2022. Active and retired members of the Benefits Plan, including ministers, employees, spouses, and surviving spouses, are welcome. Click here for more information and to register.

The Fred Rogers Institute Educators’ Symposium will gather online to learn from the life and work of Fred Rogers and find ways to apply that learning into practical ministry Registration cost is $143 to attend both days and $75 to attend one day, which includes access to session recordings. Click here for details and registration.

Our churches may be interested in the Northeast Florida Safety Council Active Shooter and Threat Management class, offered monthly. The two-hour in-person class will be taught by an FBI-trained instructor. The next class will be on July 19. Click here for details and registration. For those not in the Jacksonville area, you are encouraged to reach out to your local law enforcement agency if you are interested in training.

The Jamaican Ecumenical Mutual Mission (JEMM) Tooth Bus was dedicated in Jamaica on June 30. Presbytery staff were able to watch the dedication service via Zoom. Dr. Jim Gaff and Bob Bell, co-chair of the Mutual Mission Team, participated in the service. The Tooth Bus's arduous history was featured in a August 2020 website story just as it had arrived in Jamaica. The pandemic and other obstacles have been challenging, but "Ethel" (the Tooth Bus's name), has been fully outfitted with dental supplies and equipment, and is used to provide dental care to Jamaicans. Watch for more news from JEMM in August!

We have had many pre-orders for this 16‐month calendar which will be available beginning in August. The discounted rate is $12.00 each … or you can plan to pick them up in the presbytery office for $10.00 each, saving the shipping expenses. Click on the calendar image to order your calendar(s).

Visit our website’s classified page to check out a wide variety of employment opportunities. There are several positions open for youth / family / children's ministry in our congregations. There are also full and part-time pastoral openings, and other employment opportunities.  

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.